Word Origin & History

laconic "concise, abrupt," 1580s, from Gk. Lakonikos, from Lakon "person from Lakonia," the district around Sparta in southern Greece in ancient times, whose inhabitants were famously proud of their brevity of speech. When Philip of Macedon threatened them with, "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta to the ground," the Spartans' reply was, "If." Related: Laconically.

Example Sentences for laconic

Ramsey was laconic in response to inquiries upon this subject.

Mayo was laconic in his recital of events: he said that he had run away—and had come back.

Laconic post cards with peculiar spelling tell us that Peter is alive and well in the trenches.

"'Tain't no use," was the skipper's laconic report as he swung up the ladder.

His method is gnomic, laconic, oracular; never persuasive or plausible.

The Spartans were dignified, austere, and of few words, "laconic" in speech.

"All right, they sha'n't come in," was the man's laconic reply; and then he went outside again, to resume his smoking.

"Yes, racin's hell now," commented Dixon with laconic directness.

"Thirty bob," was the laconic reply, meaning that the length of his stay would depend on the time his money might last.